Fillings vs. Crowns

When a tooth’s structure has been compromised by decay, Dr. Anthony Leite may recommend to you a crown or filling to repair the affected area. There are some critical differences in these two solutions that you may want to discuss with Dr. Leite, as they do address some concern in various patients.

When repairing a rather small area of of the mouth, a filling is recommended for the area of decay, while preserving most of the tooth’s natural structure. The tooth is filled with a composite material and is shaped and shaded to look just like your original tooth.

Once the composite material is placed and finished, the tooth should last for a number of years. Some of the benefits of having a filling include same day procedure times and typically a cheaper cost than a crown. One downfall of having a filling instead of a crown is the shortened lifespan of the repaired area. In that sense, the crown would be a better option, comparatively speaking.

If you have been suffering from decay for a significant amount of time, a crown may be recommended in place of a filling. The crowns allows for Dr. Leite to fully clean the decayed area and place a protective crown over it, once cleaned. This helps seal off of the compromised area as to prevent future problems. Although it is more expensive than a filling, the longevity and durability is sure to help offset this expense for any patient needing a solution for their teeth.

In some rare cases where extreme decay has occurred, Dr. Leite may recommend both a filling AND a crown. This is to help ensure that any risk of infection has been minimized.

Still not sure which procedure best suits you? No problem! Be sure to schedule your appointment with us today to see which procedure can deliver the results you need.